Proposal to build a cable car connecting Co Ong Airport: A solution to protect Con Dao's special-use forests.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has proposed building a cable car line from Co Ong Airport to the center of Con Dao Island to reduce the impact on the special-use forest and meet the target of welcoming 2 million tourists by 2030.

Con Dao Island is facing an urgent need to upgrade its transportation infrastructure to meet the target of welcoming millions of tourists in the future. According to a report submitted to the Ministry of Finance on solutions to promote socio-economic development there, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has proposed investing in a public transport cable car line connecting Co Ong Airport with the island's center.

Prioritize green transportation solutions over road expansion.

Currently, the infrastructure connecting Co Ong Airport and the center of Con Dao is approximately 15km long, consisting of only one two-lane road. This road has complex terrain, winding between cliffs within the protected forest and the coastline. With plans to increase the airport's capacity to 2 million passengers by 2030 and aiming for 3 million by 2050, the existing road's traffic capacity is projected to be insufficient.

Technical analysis has shown that expanding the road to four lanes is unlikely to be feasible due to the need to excavate mountains, directly impacting approximately 15.75 hectares of protected forest. This poses a potential risk of negatively affecting the sensitive ecosystem of Con Dao National Park.

Proposal to build a cable car connecting to Co Ong Airport. (Illustrative image)

Instead, investing in a cable car system with approximately 28 support towers would only occupy about 3 hectares of land, mainly in grassland and shrubland areas. This solution not only minimizes the area of ​​forest affected but also aligns with the green development orientation and the conservation of marine and island ecosystems. Besides its role in transportation, the cable car is also expected to be a unique tourism product allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views from above.

Upgrading Co Ong Airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, plans to upgrade Co Ong Airport are also being accelerated. Currently, the airport primarily serves smaller aircraft such as the ATR 72 or Fokker 70, and is not yet capable of accommodating more common narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 or A321.

Co Ong Airport. Photo: Internet

During the period 2021-2025, the runway and taxiway renovation project received investment approval with a total capital of approximately VND 1,680 billion. The project aims to improve operational capacity, ensure safety, and meet the growing demand for air transport. Co Ong Airport, with a history dating back to the French colonial era, was most recently upgraded in 2003 to serve flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho .

Mobilizing 51,000 billion VND to complete infrastructure in Con Dao.

According to the development roadmap for the period 2026-2030, approximately 51,000 billion VND is expected to be needed to invest in completing the technical and social infrastructure system in Con Dao. The main objective is to develop it into a high-quality, internationally-standard marine and island ecotourism destination while sustainably preserving the forest and marine ecosystems.

To attract resources, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee also proposed applying special mechanisms such as exempting personal income tax for 5 years for experts and scientists, and issuing policies to incentivize talented individuals working on the island. With an area of ​​nearly 76 square kilometers and more than 78% of its area being a national park, the development of Con Dao requires a strict balance between economic growth and heritage preservation.

Note: Project information may change depending on planning adjustments and final approvals from the relevant authorities.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/de-xuat-xay-cap-treo-noi-san-bay-co-ong-giai-phap-bao-ve-rung-dac-dung-con-dao-423368.html